The world is going through some big changes right now, and our lives have been put on hold for the most part. It’s the perfect time to do you – read that book that has been sitting on the shelf, unopened, for years, manifest your dreams + goals, call an old friend, and learn something new that can help you and your business thrive.
Here at Wedding Collective, we are all about learning from our wedding community, and we hope to do the same for all of you! In fact, our own founder/CEO, Shauna Pointer, recently shared some of her wisdom, alongside Amy Weir with Delineate Your Dwelling, at the community at the amazing “Love Your Community” event at the Hyatt Regency ABQ on February 7th, 2020. The event was created on behalf of a road trip with Natalie Franke with Rising Tide Society and hosted by our local lovelies: Kayla Kitts Photography and Julie Haider Photography. In case you missed it, we’re here to share her wise words about networking + fostering genuine connections.
Let’s start by imagining…
“Imagine the first time you were putting yourself and business out there at an event that involved people (real people in the flesh).
Shauna Pointer, Founder/CEO of Wedding Collective NM
Were you nervous, anxious, excited? Did you try on like 5 different outfits, rehearse your so-called 30 second elevator pitch that so many hardcore networkers encourage? Did you feel you like didn’t belong? Weren’t good enough? Intimated by the thought of not knowing anyone in the room? Remember how you wanted to make a good impression and connection? We are in a small business community of working with real people. And networking with heart is about the people behind their passion and their purpose.”
Many of you will have experienced these emotions and thoughts, and you’re not alone! It’s important to remember that we are all human, and our mental processes are very similar. Shauna explains that even if you are a veteran business owner, it’s never too early or too soon to put yourself out there in a networking setting.
She also emphasizes the importance of creating a “tribe” comprised of your fellow community members. These are the people who are always showing up for you, supporting you, and rooting for your success + happiness. This is key, because without each other, we have nothing. By encouraging support for each other, all things are possible for even the smallest of businesses – and hey, that might be you!
“I want to encourage you to seek out others that need shepherding, encouragement, and pull them into your tribe and genuinely connect them with other like-minded creatives. Networking is about real connections and getting to know the people behind the passion.”
Shauna Pointer, Founder/CEO of Wedding Collective NM
We love our vendors + our couples, which is why we are focused on cultivating relationships with creative crews and bride tribes. However, it is important to keep in mind that a genuine and lasting relationship with anyone doesn’t happen overnight – it takes time and authenticity. Here are Shauna’s “tactical tips” to keep in mind:
- Don’t shove a business card at someone that you’ve just met for the first time. Take genuine interest in their passion and services over yours.
- Be a Go Giver – And GIVE because you love to, not because it’s a strategy. But because it’s a way of life. Givers naturally
attract others. Give guidance, give advice, give time and energy, and when an opportunity pops up – give good referrals. - Focus on one person at a time – don’t try to “work the crowd”.
- Don’t just ask for business referrals, make friendships that turn into referrals.
- Seek out others that possibly came by themselves and pull them into your group. Shepherd them into your flock.
- Abundantly place other people’s interests over your own.
- The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself. Be yourself, not what others expect you to be. Don’t be like me at my first event – trying to act older, dress older, say what others wanted to hear.
- Be someone else’s raving fan. Be their cheerleader – online as well as in person.
- Allow someone else to make a great connection with you. Think of referrals and others you can introduce them to + and they will be endeared to you when they have an opportunity to reciprocate.
We’re thankful that you are a member of our tribe. During these chaotic times, we all need a little help from our community, so reach out, support, and show up for the people around you. Nothing gets us through hard times more effectively than working together… from a distance, that is! #SocialDistancing
